Mapping Population Sizes as 3D Mountains

The Pudding has created a series of data visualizations illustrating how the concentration of human populations correlates with different urban challenges. The visualizations use 3D blocks to represent population size and are reminiscent of mountains with peaks, descents, and valleys. Planned cities such as Singapore have high peaks, but stay within a confined area. In contrast, cities that are experiencing uncontained growth, such as Kuala Lumpur are less densely populated, but tend to sprawl in multiple directions. In particular, one visualization shows the unplanned growth of Bengaluru, India, which has led to air and water pollution, through a series of thin peaks that represent the dense urban settlements that surround the city.

Michael McLaughlin is a research assistant at the Center for Data Innovation. He researches and writes about a variety of issues related to information technology and Internet policy, including digital platforms, e-government, and artificial intelligence. Michael graduated from Wake Forest University, where he majored in Communication with Minors in Politics and International Affairs and Journalism. He received his Master’s in Communication at Stanford University, specializing in Data Journalism.